2011 Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon to Invade San Francisco on Sunday, June 5 — 2,000 Athletes to Compete in One of World’s Toughest Sporting Events

SAN FRANCISCO, June 1, 2011 — The world’s top athletes will take over the streets and waters of San Francisco to compete in one of the most prestigious triathlons in the world, the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. Featuring a 1.5 mile swim from Alcatraz Island to the shore, an 18-mile bike race and an 8-mile run through San Francisco, this race is considered one of the oldest and most difficult triathlons in the world. More than 2,000 competitors from more than 34 countries will compete.

A handful of physically challenged athletes will join the abled-body competitors including Middle East War Survivor Mike Johnston – a single leg amputee and part of Operation Rebound which helps injured veterans “get back in the game,” single arm amputee Creighton Wong; and “One Armed Willie” Stewart from Boise, Idaho. These amputees will compete in this difficult race to demonstrate to other challenged athletes and injured soldiers that sports can be a powerful force for recovery. The youngest competitors include 15-year-old San Francisco resident Elsabet Jones and 15-year-old Dallas resident Steven Emerson. West Bloomfield, MI resident Paul Groffsky will be the oldest competitor at 78 years old.

The race will take place on Sunday, June 5, at 7:30 a.m. on the Marina Green, in San Francisco. The public is invited to watch the race and attend the free all day Fitness Festival & Expo which will feature more than 40 booths exhibiting the health and fitness industries’ latest products and services, food and more. The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon is produced by IMG with race direction provided in part by World Triathlon Corporation. For more information please visit www.escapefromalcatraztriathlon.com.